U.S. fears N. Korea planning 2nd test

Signs of preparations for another nuclear explosion spur warnings worldwide.

October 18, 2006|By Greg Miller, Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON -- U.S. intelligence agencies have detected activity near the area where North Korea detonated a nuclear device last week, suggesting possible preparations for a second test, a U.S. intelligence official said Tuesday.

The indications of a possible follow-up test, coinciding with similar reports from South Korea and Japan, prompted warnings from U.S. officials and from foreign capitals that a second nuclear explosion would heighten international tensions and deepen North Korea's isolation.

The White House did not rule out the possibility of a second test.

"Let me put it this way: The North Koreans have made no secret of their desire to be provocative," White House spokesman Tony Snow said.

North Korea's test Oct. 9 was considered to be at least a partial failure because of its low explosive yield.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plans to ask South Korea to expand its role in interdiction aimed at halting any North Korean efforts to spread weapons of mass destruction, U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow said today.

Rice was scheduled to arrive in Japan today and plans to visit Seoul on Thursday, The Associated Press said.